Please note we may not offer all of these treatments. Call (970) 669-3918 to learn more.
Protect Your Smile from Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can vary from mild inflammation to significant damage to the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. If not addressed, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bad breath, and other serious issues. Therefore, it’s essential to treat gum disease promptly.
Thankfully, with appropriate gum disease treatment, periodontal disease can be managed, and its effects can often be reversed. If you notice gum disease symptoms, like swollen or bleeding gums, be sure to schedule an appointment with our Loveland, CO dentist by calling (970) 669-3918.
Benefits of Treating Periodontal Disease
Seeking treatment for periodontal disease offers numerous benefits, including:
Enhanced oral health- Prevention of tooth loss
- Reduction of gum inflammation
- Stopping disease progression
- Fresher breath
- Improved smile appearance
- Lower systemic health risks
- Boosted overall well-being
Gum Disease Treatments
There are several gum disease treatment options available, tailored to the severity of your condition. Our dentist will assess the extent of your gum disease and recommend the most suitable treatment for you.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are nonsurgical treatments that involve removing plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. A dental professional uses specialized tools to eliminate the bacteria and debris causing gum disease.
- Scaling: A dental hygienist or dentist uses special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, both above and below the gum line, helping to eliminate bacteria, toxins, and calculus contributing to gum inflammation and disease.
- Root Planing: This process smooths the tooth roots and removes rough areas or harmful bacteria deposits, promoting the reattachment of gums to the tooth roots, aiding in gum healing, and reducing periodontal pocket depth.
Antibiotics
If scaling and root planing alone are insufficient, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to help eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. They can be in pill form, mouthwash, or gel applied directly to the gums. Your dentist will choose the best antibiotic form for your needs.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser periodontal therapy is a minimally invasive treatment using laser technology to remove infected gum tissue and encourage healthy tissue regeneration. The dental laser targets and eliminates bacteria causing gum disease without harming healthy gum tissue, often requiring less recovery time than traditional surgery.
Pocket Reduction (Flap) Surgery
Pocket reduction surgery, or flap surgery, is a traditional surgical treatment for moderate to severe gum disease. The dentist makes an incision in the gums to access and remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup, then sutures the gums to promote healing, reducing pocket depth and preventing further damage.
Bone and Gum Grafting
Bone grafting and gum grafting are surgical treatments to restore bone and gum tissue lost due to periodontal disease. A dental professional transplants bone and/or gum tissue from another mouth area or a donor to stabilize the teeth and prevent further damage.
Home Remedies
While home remedies can alleviate gum disease symptoms, they are not replacements for professional dental care. While waiting for a dental appointment, try these remedies to ease discomfort:
- Saltwater rinse: Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse your mouth for about 30 seconds to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
- Oil pulling: Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes before spitting it out to reduce harmful bacteria.
- Aloe vera gel: Apply pure aloe vera gel to your gums and massage gently, as it has antimicrobial properties and may reduce inflammation.
- Tea tree oil: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and apply it to your gums. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties but should be used cautiously and in diluted form to avoid irritation.
- Turmeric gel: Mix turmeric powder with water to create a paste and apply it to your gums, as turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Dangers of Untreated Gum Disease
Ignoring gum disease can lead to various oral and dental health problems, including:
- Gum recession
- Tooth loss
- Bad breath
- Painful chewing
- Infections
- Jawbone damage
Contact our dentist in Loveland, CO today if you have any questions or concerns about gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene habits, such as infrequent brushing and flossing, as well as skipping routine dental cleanings, can contribute to gum disease. Other factors, like smoking, genetics, and certain medications, can also increase the risk.
Gum disease treatment may cause discomfort, especially if surgery is involved. However, your dentist will use dental sedation or local anesthetics to numb the area before any procedures.
Generally, patients can expect some discomfort and swelling for a few days post-surgery. Recovery time varies based on the type of surgery. Your dentist will provide post-operative instructions to minimize pain and promote faster healing.
Don’t Let Gum Disease Damage Your Smile
Don’t let gum disease compromise your oral health and overall well-being any longer. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as swollen or bleeding gums, it’s time to take action and schedule an appointment with Dr. Howard today.
Don’t wait any longer to seek the treatment you need to protect your smile. Call our office at (970) 669-3918 to schedule your consultation. We welcome patients from Evans, Campion, and Garden City.